Supervisory Compliance Specialist

Food Safety and Inspection Service; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Food Safety and Inspection Service in Urbandale, IA seeks a Supervisory Compliance Specialist to lead Enforcement Operations staff, plan work, set performance standards, and guide enforcement actions and litigation to protect public health.

The role emphasizes applying statutes and regulations, coordinating with partners, and overseeing hearings, case documentation, and strategic program improvements. Federal experience and time-in-grade considerations apply.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at GS-14 level in enforcement and litigation.
• Experience interpreting statutes, regulations, and legal authorities.
• Experience directing staff and managing case work and hearings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Enforcement Operations staff and assign work.
• Develop policies and guidance for enforcement and compliance.
• Represent agency in negotiations, hearings, and proceedings.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and protect public health.

Skills

Enforcement Experience

Leadership

Policy Interpretation

Job description

The Supervisory Compliance Specialist oversees the FSIS Enforcement Operations Staff responsible for administering enforcement of food safety laws. Manages staff, plans and assigns work, establishes performance standards, addresses concerns, develops policies, guides legal actions, makes case determinations, collaborates with other agencies, oversees hearings, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects public health through effective enforcement and litigation.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-14 level) that demonstrates in the following areas:

• Directing, planning, developing, and implementing criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement and litigation programs covering complex, sensitive, and precedent-setting issues.
• Interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, legal authorities, sanctions policies, evidentiary standards, and legal precedents in compliance and enforcement actions.
• Reviewing investigative reports, evaluating case evidence, determining adequacy of documentation, and making enforcement action or sanction recommendations supported by sound analysis.
• Preparing legal and regulatory documents such as complaints, subpoenas, declarations, settlement agreements, case referrals, and other technical materials required for administrative or judicial proceedings.
• Representing an agency, program, or other entity in negotiations, settlement conferences, enforcement discussions, and administrative or federal court proceedings.
• Serving as an expert advisor on enforcement authorities, compliance methodologies, legal processes, and policy interpretation for executives, legal partners, and external agencies.
• Establishing and maintaining professional liaison relationships with federal, state, and local partners; legal counsel; inspectors general; and regulated industry representatives.
• Developing policies, procedures, guidance materials, and management controls related to enforcement, litigation, or compliance operations.
• Overseeing or managing case management systems, ensuring proper documentation, adherence to standards, and timely execution of enforcement and litigation activities.
• Conducting or overseeing administrative hearings or proceedings associated with violations, grants of inspection, or exemptions from inspection.
• Providing authoritative recommendations on organizational goals, program improvements, operational changes, resource allocations, and strategic planning for enforcement or compliance programs.
• Supervising, managing, and directing staff engaged in complex legal, compliance, or enforcement work, including assigning work, evaluating performance, resolving complaints, administering discipline, and identifying training needs.

1801 Series Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.